A brother-in-law of Northern Ireland's deputy first minister designate, Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness, appeared in court in Derry yesterday charged with seven offences connected to the alleged abduction of a couple from their home in Mullingar, Co Westmeath, last Monday night and their assault on Tuesday.
The couple are Brendan Cranston (42) and Linda Doherty (38), New Brooke Road in Mullingar's Clonmore estate.
Mr Cranston was shot in both ankles at High Park, Creggan, Derry, early on Tuesday morning. He is still recovering from his injuries in the city's Altnagelvin Hospital. Both he and Ms Doherty had also been assaulted.
Marvin Canning, Glen Dara, Brandywell, Derry is charged with falsely imprisoning and assaulting Mr Cranston, kidnapping Ms Doherty, causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Mr Cranston, possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life, falsely imprisoning, assaulting and detaining Ms Doherty against her will, causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Ms Doherty and kidnapping Mr Cranston.
All the offences are alleged to have taken place in Derry last Monday and Tuesday.
Mr Canning, who made no reply to the charges, was remanded in custody to appear before the same court via a video link on May 24th pending the outcome of a bail application to the High Court in Belfast.
A detective constable told Resident Magistrate Barney McElholm that he arrested, charged and cautioned Mr Canning in Strand Road PSNI station on Wednesday night. He made no reply to the seven charges.
He confirmed to defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott that Mr Canning had denied any involvement in the incidents during his seven police interviews. He also confirmed that the evidence against Mr Canning was in the nature of an identification.
Supporters of Mr Canning were involved in minor scuffles with news photographers outside the Bishop Street courthouse.
Inside, his friends were warned by the magistrate that they would be arrested if they caused a disturbance.
One of Mr Canning's supporters was fined £50 and had his mobile phone confiscated by the police after it went off inside the courtroom.
Two other men were also arrested by the police in connection with the incidents. One was released without charge, the other was yesterday still being questioned by the police.
Mid Ulster MP Mr McGuinness confirmed yesterday that Mr Canning was his brother-in-law. In a statement he condemned what he called the "abduction and brutal attack" on the couple.
"Whoever carried out this attack, I absolutely and unequivocally condemn it," the statement added.
"Such attacks have no place in our society. Those responsible must be made accountable through the courts."